According to Neowin, Microsoft is prepping PowerToys version 0.97 for release this month, with a major focus on customizing the Command Palette app launcher. A GitHub pull request reveals a new “Personalization” page where users can adjust the launcher’s look, background, blur, and tilt, and even match it to the system accent color. Product Manager Niels Laute confirmed the upcoming features on X. Beyond that, Microsoft is developing two brand-new utilities: one for managing display settings like brightness and contrast, and another that places a virtual light ring on your screen to improve video call appearance. PowerToys remains available for both Windows 10 and 11, with no imminent plans to drop the older OS.
Command Palette gets a makeover
This is a solid move. The Command Palette is already one of the most useful modules in PowerToys, basically bringing a Spotlight or Raycast-like experience to Windows. But let’s be honest, it’s looked a bit… utilitarian. Giving users control over blur, tilt, and background is a smart way to make it feel less like a system tool and more like a personalized part of your workflow. The system accent color matching is a nice touch for consistency. Here’s the thing, though: with great customization comes great complexity in the settings menu. I just hope they keep the new “Personalization” page intuitive and don’t bury the core functionality under a mountain of aesthetic toggles. The pull request is the place to watch if you’re into the nitty-gritty.
New utilities on the horizon
Now, the two new utilities are where it gets really interesting. A dedicated tool for display settings (brightness, contrast, volume) could be a godsend for laptop users or anyone with external monitors lacking physical buttons. But I’m skeptical. Windows already has quick settings for some of this. The key will be if PowerToys offers granular, per-display control that the native OS hides. The virtual light ring for video calls, though? That’s clever. It’s a software fix for a common hardware problem—bad lighting. If it works well, it could be a killer feature for the remote work crowd. It makes you wonder what other simple, system-level gaps the PowerToys team is looking to fill.
The Windows 10 question
It’s notable that the article specifically mentions Microsoft has no plans to drop Windows 10 support “just yet.” That’s the operative phrase. PowerToys is a modern toolset that thrives on newer APIs and capabilities. Supporting an OS that’s officially out of mainstream support is a burden. I think they’re walking a tightrope, trying to serve a massive Win10 user base while undoubtedly itching to use features only available in Windows 11. The moment they announce a Win11-only module, the clock will start ticking for everyone else. For now, grabbing it from the GitHub repo or the Store is the way to go, regardless of your OS version.
Why this matters
Look, PowerToys isn’t just a collection of neat tricks. It’s Microsoft’s own sanctioned platform for power-user experimentation. Every update like this that focuses on polish and personalization signals that they’re serious about it as a long-term project, not a side hobby. It validates the idea that advanced users want to tweak and tailor their experience deeply. And in a world where so much software is moving to locked-down, cloud-based subscriptions, having a free, open-source, locally-run toolkit that makes Windows bend to your will is incredibly valuable. Basically, it keeps the spirit of tinkering alive in a modern OS.
